6 Ways to Never Get Bored of Brussels Sprouts — Fall Fest

Whether roasted, shredded or sauteed, Brussels sprouts add a flavorful yet healthy component to any fall feast.
By: Emily Lee

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brussels sprouts are a pretty divisive vegetable: You either love them or hate them. But developing a love of these cabbagelike little bundles really comes down to finding a preparation method that suits your tastes. Some eaters adore the nutty intensity of roasted whole Brussels sprouts. Others might prefer them deconstructed in a salad, or doctored up with nuts or bacon. Taking the time to find your favorite preparation method is well worth the effort, since Brussels sprouts can produce some of the easiest, most-affordable side dishes around. Here are a few renditions that you'll definitely want to tuck away in your recipe book, especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner.

Add (a little) Bacon

Food Network Kitchen knows that salty, crispy bacon makes everything better. When served warm, their Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are welcome at any holiday meal. Since the recipe doesn't go wild with added butter or oil (there's enough fat in the bacon), it clocks in at a reasonable 252 calories per serving.

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Photo by: Antonis Achilleos Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

Antonis Achilleos Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

Shred & Saute

Just like cabbage, Brussels sprouts take on the appearance of slaw when shredded. Toss in some sliced shallots and this Sauteed Brussels Sprouts recipe is your next go-to fall side dish.

Brussel Sprouts with crushed red peppers in a White Boat Shaped Dish

Brussels

Brussel Sprouts with crushed red peppers in a White Boat Shaped Dish

Simply Roast

Simple yet sensational, Food Network Magazine's Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe sticks to the basics. When roasted, the sprouts take on a nutty flavor that needs little else. Just cut the veggies in half, season well with salt and red pepper flakes, and let them caramelize in the oven.

Ina Garten's Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts for Game Plan as seen on Food  Network's Barefoot Contessa

Ina Garten's Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts for Game Plan as seen on Food Network's Barefoot Contessa

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Use a Balsamic Glaze

Ina Garten uses balsamic vinegar as a sweet, syrupy glaze in her  Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Like bacon, the salty pancetta complements the nutty roasted sprouts and cuts out the need for an excessive amount of oil or butter.

Food Stylist:  Cyd Raftus McDowell 
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Kana Okada ©Kana Okada 2011

Kana Okada, Kana Okada 2011

Add Nuts & Seeds

Picky eaters may turn up their noses at the sight of an all-green side dish, but they just might warm up to Bobby Flay's vibrant Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Hazelnuts. Orange zest, toasted hazelnuts and plump pomegranate seeds add visual appeal and some textural variety.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Use a Wok

Ditch your roasting pan for these crispy Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms and Ginger. A wok gives you the charred flavor you would get from roasting or grilling and the tenderness you would get from braising — but in half of the time. Although the intensity of the wok would overpower delicate seeds or nuts, the meaty, umami-rich mushrooms can certainly handle it.

For more ways to spruce up Brussels sprouts, check out these recipes from our friends:

Taste with the Eyes: Brussels, Bacon, Balsamic

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